LOCAL RULES 1. The Merced County Spring Fair, Los Banos, commences Wednesday, May 2 at 10 a.m. and closes at midnight, Sunday, May 6, 2018. 2. The Fair Administration Building is located at the corner of 4 th and F Streets, Los Banos. 3. ENTRY CLOSING DATES for Market Beef and Replacement Heifers is January 10 th, All Other Market Animals and Breeding Animals is March 1 st, All Still Exhibits, except Cut Flowers and Special Contests, is March 28. The closing date for Cut Flowers is May 1. However, the Management reserves the right to close a class entry before closing dates in the event that all available space has been allotted. 4. All entries (except floral walk-ins and special day of contests), for the 2018 Merced County Spring Fair must be made online by accessing our web site at www.co.merced.ca.us/springfair. Entry fees are non-refundable. 5. All entries are at the exhibitor s risk. The Fair Management will in no case be responsible for any loss or damage that may occur. 6. Checks will be made payable to Owner listed on entry. All premium checks not cashed within 90 days of date issued will be revoked. 7. No passenger vehicles will be allowed to park in other than designated areas at any time. Vehicles parked in other areas may be towed away at the expense of the owner. 8. Exhibitors are urged to become familiar with all Local and State Rules, which will be strictly enforced. 9. NOTE TO EXHIBITORS: All rules contained in State Rules for California Fairs as established by the Division of Fairs & Expositions apply to the Spring Fair. A copy may be obtained from the Division of Fairs and Expositions (send a selfaddressed, stamped envelope, 1010 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA 95825) or maybe viewed from their web site at www.cdfa.ca.gov/fe. 10. a. Protests will be considered only if there has been a violation of State or Local Rules. Decisions of Judges, Veterinarians, Weighmasters, Livestock Superintendent and Timers cannot be protested and are final. b. All protests must be presented to the Management of the Fair in writing within 24 hours of the alleged violation, or 24 hours after the results are available to the public of exhibits judged pre-fair. c. Protest must be accompanied by a $500 deposit (cash, money order, or certified check) which will be returned only if the protest is determined valid. d. Protest and appropriate action are decided by the Fair s Board of Directors or designees in a timely manner. e. Violations of State Rules may be appealed to Fairs and Expositions. 11. Exhibitors in the Senior Departments will be limited to residents of Merced County. Exhibitors in the Junior Departments are open only to children who reside in Merced County and/or attend a Merced County School. Directors, Fair Managers, and/or their spouses are not eligible to exhibit at their own county fair. 12. Complimentary entries will be welcome if space permits. No entry will be required for such exhibits. 13. Exhibitors who engage in foods or baking confections as a profession (including catering and teaching) are not eligible to enter in any foods or baking divisions. JUDGING SYSTEMS DANISH JUDGING: based upon established standards of quality for each type of product. In this system, each exhibit is judged according to how well it meets those standards, rather than how it compares with other exhibits. Placing Description Score Ribbon Group 1 Superior 92-100 Blue Group 2 Good 84-91 Red Group 3 Average 70-83 White Group 4 Poor 69-0 No ribbon AMERICAN JUDGING: judging process to rank exhibits against one another and award one first placing, one second, one third, etc. COUNTY OFFICIALS Merced County Board of Supervisors: Lee Lor, Lloyd Pareira, Daron McDaniel, Jerry O Banion, and Rodrigo Espinoza
SMALL ANIMALS SMALL ANIMAL AUCTION The auction of rabbit and avian meat pens will be held in the Carousel Arena, Friday, May 4, 2018 at 6p.m. following Small Animal Master Showmanship. All exhibitors are required to wear the official show uniform as stated in the Local Rules. The sales order will be in reverse order to which the pens are placed, with the Champion Pen selling last for each species. Exhibitors may sell one meat pen of rabbits, or one single fryer or one meat of avian, or one Club Swine, Lamb, Goat or Steer or one Replacement Heifer. All applicable rules of the Junior Livestock Auction and Sale of Champions shall apply. A maximum of one hundred twenty (120) sale lots of Small Animals judged worthy of selling and meeting the weight requirements of each specie will be auctioned. Individuals exhibiting the first place 4-H and FFA Rabbit and Avian educational displays will have their animal(s) sold just before the Reserve Champion on that species. All market animals must have identification (tattoo numbers or leg band numbers) listed on online entry. Meat animal entries will not be accepted without tattoo/band number. Reserve Grand Champion Meat Pen Special Award: Grand Champion Meat Pen John Borelli Memorial 4-H Champion Meat Pen 4-H Reserve Champion Meat Pen FFA Champion Meat Pen FFA Reserve Champion Meat Pen Grand Champion Single Fryer Mark Williams Memorial Reserve Champion Single Fryer 4-H Champion Single Fryer 4-H Reserve Champion Single Fryer FFA Champion Single Fryer FFA Reserve Champion Single Fryer Entry Fee: $13 DIVISION 442: FFA MEAT RABBITS DIVISION 443: 4H MEAT RABBITS Limit one (1) entry per exhibitor. Exhibitor can enter both meat pen and single fryer classes, but can only show and sell one. If a meat pen rabbit does not make weight at weigh in, the exhibitor has the option to be put into the single fryer class. Exhibitor must state their decision before leaving the scale. List all tattoo numbers on online entry. Class: 1. Meat Pen of three: Three rabbits; 3 1/2 pounds to 5 1/2 pounds each, not over ten (10) weeks old. Must all be the same breed and variety. 2. Single Fryer; One rabbit 3 1/2 pounds to 5 1/2 pounds, not over ten (10) weeks old. RABBITS Best in Show Reserve in Show Best in Show Fur
PREMIUMS OFFERED PER CLASS 1 ST 2 ND 3 RD $6 $5 $4 FFA and 4-H exhibitors will show together in these divisions. The American Rabbit Breeder s Association, Inc. sanctions this show. Rules, definitions and judging procedures as prescribed in the latest edition of the Guide Book and Standard of the A.R.B.A. Inc. shall apply to all district and county fair rabbit shows, provided they do not conflict with any of the rules and regulations prescribed by the Department of Food and Agriculture. Please consult an ARBA Standard for Perfection for answers to varieties and appropriate weight for the classes in each breed. Do not enter division number on entry except on Fur and Showmanship. Fair management will break divisions. The three heavyweight breeds with the greater number of entries will receive their own division. The five lightweight breeds with the greatest number of entries received will each have their own division. Rabbits must be entered, shown and judged in proper division and class for breed, variety, age and sex. Be sure to note breed, variety, age and sex on your online entry. Rabbits found to be in ill health must be refused by the show committee and must be removed from the Fairgrounds. All substitutions must be completed by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, 2018. All corrections due to Fair clerical errors must be made promptly upon arrival at the show and before judging begins. Exhibitors are responsible for getting their animals to the judging table on time. Exhibitors shall not state ownership of any animal to the judge. Anyone interfering with the judges or clerks will be asked to leave the show area. This will be a one-day carry case show. Rabbits will remain in carry case except during judging. Rabbits will be released after showmanship and must be checked out by 5:00 p.m. All exhibitors are required to wear the official show uniform (see livestock rules). All rabbits must be owned by exhibitor a minimum of thirty (30) days. Entry Fee: $6 per entry Breeding entries are limited to (2) two per exhibitor per class. Maximum number of entries limited to fifteen (15) entries per exhibitor excluding showmanship and fur classes. All animals must be identified by permanent ear marking conforming with the entry on arrival at the show. Positively no substitutions except in same breed, sex class and variety. DIVISION 444 453: RABBITS Class: 1. Senior Buck, 6 months of age and over 2. Intermediate Buck, 6 8 months of age 3. Junior Buck, under 6 months of age 4. Senior Doe, 6 months of age and over 5. Intermediate Doe, 6 8 months of age 6. Junior Doe, under 6 months of age DIVISION 454: BREED FUR Entry Fee: $6.00. Class: 1. Ribbons only, no premiums paid. Animals that have been shown and qualified in regular breed classes. List breed on entry. RABBIT SHOWMANSHIP PREMIUMS OFFERED For 4-H Senior and FFA Advanced Showmanship Divisions only.
1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 5 th 6 th 7 th 8 th $10 $9 $8 $7 $6 $5 $4 $3 NO ENTRY FEE IF ENTERED BY MARCH 1, 2018. LATE ENTRY FEES OF $25.00 WILL BE CHARGED IF ENTERED AFTER MARCH 1, 2018. LATE ENTRIES CLOSE MAY 1, 2018. ALL EXHIBITORS MUST SHOW THEIR OWN ANIMAL. Entries in Showmanship MUST be made online by March 1, 2018. Exhibitors must be on hand and ready to exhibit at the time called for judging. All exhibitors are required to wear the official show uniforms as outlined in the Livestock Rules. Exhibitors in 4-H and FFA winning Master Showmanship at the Merced County Spring Fair in previous years are not eligible to compete in Master Showmanship again. 4-H EXHIBITORS ARE TO USE THEIR GRADE AS OF March 1, 2018 WHEN DETERMINING WHICH DIVISION TO ENTER. The winner of 4-H Senior Showmanship and of FFA Advanced Showmanship will qualify for Master Showmanship. Independent exhibitors will have showmanship for each species. Classes of less than 15 in showmanship may be combined. Any division with less than 4 species qualifying for Master Showmanship will not have a Master Showmanship. The division must have 6 entries to qualify that specie for Master Showmanship. If an exhibitor qualifies in more than one specie, they will have to choose which they will represent in Master Showmanship. FFA NOVICE SHOWMANSHIP Limited to FFA Exhibitors who have never shown that specie of animal. The first three winners may enter advanced showmanship division finals. FFA FRESHMAN SHOWMANSHIP Limited to FFA Freshman Exhibitors. The first three winners may enter advanced showmanship division finals. 4-H JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP Open to exhibitors Grades 4 and 5. The first three winners may enter Senior Showmanship division finals. 4-H INTERMEDIATE SHOWMANSHIP Open to exhibitors Grades 6, 7 and 8. The first three winners may enter Senior Showmanship division finals. 4-H SENIOR SHOWMANSHIP Open to Grade 9 and above. DIVISION 455: RABBITS Class: 1. FFA Novice Showmanship 2. FFA Freshman Showmanship 3. FFA Advanced Showmanship 4. 4-H Junior Showmanship 5. 4-H Intermediate Showmanship 6. 4-H Senior Showmanship 7. Independent Showmanship Grand Champion Meat Pen Derrick Jensen Memorial AVIAN SCIENCE Special Award: Reserve Grand Champion Meat Pen Grand Champion Game Bird Reserve Grand Champion Game Bird Best in Show Reserve in Show Entries are limited to three (3) birds per exhibitor, per class.
All birds must have numbered leg bands (not colored bands) at time of inspection. All birds are required to go through a poultry health inspection prior to the show. Birds found in ill health will be refused from the show and must be removed from the fairgrounds. The American System of judging is used. Exhibitor shall not state ownership of any birds to the judge. This will be a one-day carry cage show. One bird per carry cage due to limited number of cages provided by Fair Management. Birds will be released after showmanship. All exhibitors are required to wear the official show uniform (see livestock rules). Anyone interfering with the judges or clerks will be asked to leave the show area. Exhibitors showing avian must be in uniform during judging and remain at ringside during the duration of the show. MARKET AVAIN $13 per entry for market DIVISION 456: MEAT PEN OF AVIAN Limit one (1) entry per exhibitor Class: 1. Market Broilers (specific weight groups to be determined after weigh-in) Minimum of 4lbs per bird with a maximum of 9 lbs per bird. 2 birds per pen. 2. Game Birds (quail, dove, pigeons, pheasants, ducks) 2 birds per pen. DIVISION 457: COMPANION BIRDS Class: 1. Parakeets 2. Cockatiels 3. All other breeds (Identify on entry) DIVISION 458: GAME BIRDS Class: 1. Doves 2. Pigeons 3. Quail 4. Ducks 5. All other breeds, identify on entry PREMIUMS OFFERED PER CLASS 1 ST 2 ND 3 RD $6 $5 $4 Entry Fee: $6 per entry for breeding COMPANION BIRDS GAME BIRDS BANTAMS DIVISION 459: MODERN GAME DIVISION 460: OLD ENGLISH GAME & AMERICAN GAME DIVISION 461: SINGLE COMB CLEAN LEG Definitions: Anacona, andalusian, Australorp, Campine, Catalina, Delaware, Dorking, Frizzle, Holland, Japanese, Java, Jersey Giant, Junglefowl, Lakenvelder, Lamona, Minorca, Naked Neck, Nankin, New Hampshire, Orpingto0n, Phoenix, Plymouth rock, Rhode Island Red, Serama, Spanish Sussex and Leghorn
DIVISION 462: ROSE COMB CLEAN LEG Definitions: Anacona, Antwerp Belgian D"Anvers, Dominique, Dorking, Hamburg, Leghorn, Minorca, Nankin, Redcap, Rhode Island Red, Rhode Island White, Rosecomb, Seabright, and Wyandotte DIVISION 463: ALL OTHER COMB CLEAN LEG Definitions: Ameraucana, Araucana, Buckeye, Chantecler, Cornish, Crevecoeur, Cubalaya, Houdan, Le Fleche, Malay, Polish, Shamo, Sicilian buttercup, Sumatra, Yokohama DIVISION 464: FEATHER LEG Definitions: Brahama, booted, Cochin, D"uccle, Faverolle, Fizzle, Langshan, Silklie, and Sultan DIVISION 465: NON-STANDARD BANTAMS Definitions: All non purebred Class: 1. Cock (male one year & older) 2. Hen (female one year & older) 3. Cockerel (male under one year) 4. Pullet (female under one year) LARGE FOWL DIVISION 466: AMERICAN Definitions: Buckeye, Chantecler, Delaware, Dominque, Holland, Java, Jersey Giant, Lamona, New Hampshire, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Rhode Island White and Wyandotte DIVISION 467: ASIATIC Definitions: Brahma, Cochin and Langschan DIVISION 468: ENGLISH Definitions: Australorp, Cornish, Dorking, Orpington, Redcap and Sussex DIVISION 469: MEDITERRANEAN Definitions: Anacona, Andalusian, Buttercup, Catalina, Leghorn, Minorca, Sicilian and Spanish DIVISION 470: CONTINENTAL Definitions: Barnvelder, Campine, Crevecoeur, Faverolle Hamburg, Houdan, La Fleche, Lakenvelder, Polish and Welsummer DIVISION 471: ALL OTHER LARGE STANDARD BREEDS Definitions: Modern Game, Old English Game, Sumatra, Malay, Cubalaya, Phoenix, Yokahoma, Aseel, Shamo, Sultan, Naked Neck, Araucana and Ameraucana DIVISION 472: LARGE NON-STANDARD BREEDS Definitions: All non purebred Class: 1. Cock (male one year & older) 2. Hen (female one year & older) 3. Cockerel (male under one year) 4. Pullet (female under one year) DIVISION 473: EGGS Class: 1. Bantam Eggs - one dozen 2. Standard Eggs - one dozen EGGS AVIAN SHOWMANSHIP
PREMIUMS OFFERED For 4-H Senior and FFA Advanced Showmanship Divisions only. 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 5 th 6 th 7 th 8 th $10 $9 $8 $7 $6 $5 $4 $3 NO ENTRY FEE IF ENTERED BY MARCH 1, 2018. LATE ENTRY FEES OF $25.00 WILL BE CHARGED IF ENTERED AFTER MARCH 1, 2018. LATE ENTRIES CLOSE MAY 1, 2018. ALL EXHIBITORS MUST SHOW THEIR OWN ANIMAL. Entries in Showmanship MUST be made online by March 1, 2018. Exhibitors must be on hand and ready to exhibit at the time called for judging. All exhibitors are required to wear the official show uniforms as outlined in the Livestock Rules. Exhibitors in 4-H and FFA winning Master Showmanship at the Merced County Spring Fair in previous years are not eligible to compete in Master Showmanship again. 4-H EXHIBITORS ARE TO USE THEIR GRADE AS OF March 1, 2018 WHEN DETERMINING WHICH DIVISION TO ENTER. The winner of 4-H Senior Showmanship and of FFA Advanced Showmanship will qualify for Master Showmanship. Independent exhibitors will have showmanship for each species. Classes of less than 15 in showmanship may be combined. Any division with less than 4 species qualifying for Master Showmanship will not have a Master Showmanship. The division must have 6 entries to qualify that specie for Master Showmanship. If an exhibitor qualifies in more than one specie, they will have to choose which they will represent in Master Showmanship. FFA NOVICE SHOWMANSHIP Limited to FFA Exhibitors who have never shown that specie of animal. The first three winners may enter advanced showmanship division finals. FFA FRESHMAN SHOWMANSHIP Limited to FFA Freshman Exhibitors. The first three winners may enter advanced showmanship division finals. 4-H JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP Open to exhibitors Grades 4 and 5. The first three winners may enter Senior Showmanship division finals. 4-H INTERMEDIATE SHOWMANSHIP Open to exhibitors Grades 6, 7 and 8. The first three winners may enter Senior Showmanship division finals. 4-H SENIOR SHOWMANSHIP Open to Grade 9 and above. DIVISION 474: AVIAN Class: 1. FFA Novice Showmanship 2. FFA Freshman Showmanship 3. FFA Advanced Showmanship 4. 4-H Junior Showmanship 5. 4-H Intermediate Showmanship 6. 4-H Senior Showmanship 7. Independent Showmanship PEE WEE SHOWMANSHIP Friday, May 4, 2018 5:00 P.M. Entry Fee $10.00 Entries forms will be available the Fair Office, 403 F Street in Los Banos, beginning April 10, 2018. Pee Wee Showmanship entries close at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, May 3, 2018. Exhibitors may only enter into one class, Sheep or Dairy. Sheep & Dairy showmanship only. NO BULLS. Animals must be typical in conformation. Each showman must provide his/her own animal, or make arrangements with an exhibitor prior to Pee Wee Showmanship. Dairy animals must be less than six (6) months old. TB testing is not required on dairy animals. Use child s age as of May 4, 2018.
Ages 3 to 5 years Class Ages 6 to 9 years Class (Children who are 9 and not currently enrolled in 4-H are eligible). Depending on the amount of entries received, classes may be split into age groups WORLD CHAMPION MASTER SHOWMANSHIP Enter to show Beef, Dairy, Swine, Sheep and Goats. Open to exhibitors ages nine to nineteen. Exhibitors are to use their age as of May 7, 2018. Exhibitors must show proof of age (CDL, birth certificate). Show tools (show stick, brush, etc) must be provided by the exhibitor. All livestock will be provided by the event. Local Fair and State rules apply. No refunds. All exhibitors must wear assigned entry number. Cash prizes and buckles awarded to first place Sr. Showman in each specie and Overall Showman. Buckle awarded to Overall Jr. Showman and cash prizes to first place winners in each species of Jr. showmanship. Entry Fee: $25.00 Entries close Friday, May 4, 2018 Judging Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 2 p.m. DIVISION: 2018 Class: 1 Jr. Showman, ages 9-14 Class: 2 Sr. Showman, ages 15-19